CJID Expresses Concern Over TikTok Ban in the U.S.

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has raised alarms about the fate of millions of TikTok users in the United States after the Supreme Court upheld a ban on the social media platform, signaling a seismic shift in the digital landscape. Mr. Akintunde Babatunde, the Director of CJID, expressed deep concern, particularly for content creators and businesses who have built their livelihoods around the app.

Babatunde, currently in the U.S. as part of the 2025 Media Transformation Challenge Fellowship at the Poynter Institute for Media Studies in Florida, shared his thoughts on Sunday, January 19, 2025, as TikTok officially shut down in the U.S. ahead of the ban.

A Game-Changer for Creators and Businesses

The ban, which has left 170 million American users in the dark, raises critical questions about the future of digital content creation and business strategies built around TikTok. Babatunde highlighted the economic impact, noting that countless U.S.-based creators depend on TikTok as a primary source of income.

“How will businesses, which have built entire strategies around TikTok to sell products and connect with customers, adapt to this seismic shift?” Babatunde pondered. He warned that this policy decision could reshape the U.S. digital economy, affecting both small creators and large businesses alike.

Beyond the financial consequences for users, Babatunde emphasized the geopolitical implications of the ban. “This isn’t just about an app; it’s about geopolitics 101. The ban reflects the growing intersection of technology, national security, and global power struggles,” he stated. With the stakes high for businesses and creators, Babatunde predicted long-lasting ripple effects on the digital landscape.

A Wake-Up Call for Geopolitics and Technology

Babatunde stressed that the TikTok ban serves as a perfect example of how geopolitical tensions can quickly reshape economic and social systems. As tensions between the U.S. and China have played out on the digital stage, TikTok’s ties to ByteDance, its Chinese parent company, have made it a target for lawmakers concerned about national security risks.

The ban represents a critical intersection of technology and global power struggles, with TikTok’s data practices and its potential for Chinese government influence causing significant concern among U.S. lawmakers.

Babatunde concluded his remarks by advising users to “Buckle up, this is going to be a long and fascinating ride!” signaling that the situation is far from settled and could continue to evolve as political and economic forces collide.

TikTok Shuts Down in the U.S.

In a move that shocked users, TikTok voluntarily shut down its service to U.S. users on Saturday night, January 18, 2025, ahead of the January 19th ban. Most users woke up on Sunday morning to find the app unavailable, with a message reading:

“Sorry, TikTok isn’t available right now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.”

The message also included a note from TikTok, saying: “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

Additionally, TikTok and other apps owned by ByteDance have been removed from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in the U.S., making it impossible for new users to download the app.

Security Concerns Lead to the Ban

The TikTok ban follows years of mounting concerns from U.S. lawmakers about the security risks associated with the app. The worry centers around TikTok’s data collection practices, with fears that the Chinese government could access user data.

Last year, U.S. Congress passed a law forcing TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest its stake in the app or face being cut off from the U.S. market. With a deadline of January 19, the law left TikTok with little choice but to comply or face a complete shutdown in the U.S.

Interestingly, President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch opponent of TikTok, has recently softened his stance. Trump, who had previously warned against the dangers of TikTok, has suggested he might work with the company to reinstate its operations once he takes office. This shift in tone has raised hopes for TikTok users, creators, and businesses that a temporary delay or even a reversal of the ban could be on the horizon.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for TikTok in the U.S.?

As predicted by Babatunde, the situation remains fluid, with time likely revealing whether the incoming Trump administration will take action to save TikTok from a permanent ban. With Trump’s inauguration set for Monday, January 21, 2025, many are watching to see if he will indeed delay the ban or offer a path forward for the app.

For now, the future of TikTok in the United States remains uncertain, and its fate could hinge on political negotiations and national security concerns. Whether or not the app will be reinstated, the debate over data privacy, geopolitics, and technology is far from over, and TikTok’s story in the U.S. is sure to continue making headlines in the months ahead.